Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
